KNOWLEDGE OF DIAMONDS
ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT DIAMONDS
One of the most well-known and sought-after gemstones is undoubtedly the diamond, which consists of carbon. Engagement rings, like many others, are typically adorned with diamonds, and there are many shanks and mountings to choose from. If you already know now what diamond shape you are aiming for in the ring, you will be well on your way to finding the perfect ring.
The 4 c's
The quality of diamonds is judged on the basis of 4 C's. Carat, Clarity, Colour and Cut.
At BOLOU, you meet GIA (Gemological Institute of America) certified specialists, which is a seal of quality for the advice you receive. In addition, we work exclusively with trusted diamond suppliers and always purchased in accordance with international conventions.
CARAT
Carat is a unit of weight for diamonds and 1 carat corresponds to 0.20 grams. The origin of the unit of weight dates from the time when you only had scales to determine the weight of objects. Thus, 1 carat weighs the same as 1 kernel from the fruit of a carob tree.
CLARITY
Very valuable diamonds are typically very clear and therefore without impurities in the composition with fine light transmission/reflection as a result. Impurities also limit the opportunities for cutting.
The clarity of diamonds is calculated on a scale with 12 grades — from flawless to included. At BOLOU, we use VS1 quality and above as our guiding quality.
The 4 C's (continued)
COLOUR
Although diamonds are typically associated with transparency, the vast majority of them are actually slightly brownish or yellowish. Transparent diamonds are the most valuable but are also seen in many special colors called Fancy Diamonds.
The color of the diamond has a major impact on its value. Therefore, of course, there is also a grading system for the color of diamonds. In the European and American context, we use a numerical system.
The graphic below shows an overall overview of the system. “D-E” is the most valuable color, while “M-Z” are the less valuable.
Naturally blue diamonds are the rarest and only 0.01% of the world's diamonds are thought to be blue. The bluish color is due to the presence of boron, and they occur in earth layers four times deeper in to the ground as ordinary diamonds.
Natural red diamonds are also very rare, and only 20-30 pieces are said to exist in the entire world. That is why they are also the most expensive. The 1.56 carat red diamond nicknamed the Argyle Phoenix, for example, was sold at auction for over 2 million dollars.
CUT
The cut of a diamond is absolutely central to its appearance. Even a diamond with high clarity and nice color will appear dull if the cut is done poorly. A professional cut brings out the best in a diamond.
The most classic and sought after cut is the round brilliant cut, which BOLOU has been used to working with for decades. Our state-of-the-art tools and professional goldsmiths are able to design and manufacture any imaginable piece of diamond jewelry that, through uncompromising quality and unique style, is sure to stand out from the crowd. Contact us to find out more about the possibilities.
